by John Greenleaf Whittier
T
hey fail to read clearly the signs of the times who do not see that the hour is coming when, under the searching eye of philosophy and the terrible analysis of science, the letter and the outward evidence will not altogether avail us; when the surest dependence must be upon the Light of Christ within, disclosing the law and the prophets in our own souls, and confirming the truth of outward Scripture by inward experience; when smooth stones from the brook of present revelation shall prove mightier than the weapons of Saul; when the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed by George Fox and lived by John Woolman, shall be recognized as the only efficient solvent of doubts by an age of restless inquiry.
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was a Quaker, passionate abolitionist, and highly esteemed poet. He grew up in Haverhill MA and was later active in Amesbury (MA) Meeting.
From: a letter to “The Friends Review,” 1870. Included in Whittier, The Writings, 1888–9, vol. 7, p. 313. Retrieved from 1985 Faith and Practice of New England YM, Ch. 1 Illustrative Experience of Friends, p.9